Personal Injury Practice Area

Bicycle Collisions

Bike Accident Attorney in Oregon

Whether riding on the road or mountain trails, the aftermath of bicycle accidents can be devastating. We also know that responsibility for such accidents can lie with a driver, a bicyclist, or another party entirely when riding on public land. 

With a history of securing some of the most favorable personal injury verdicts in Oregon, including a landmark case, resulting in a “nuclear verdict” for a mountain biking accident, our goal is to help you navigate this difficult time and get back to living your life.

How do catastrophic bicycle accidents happen?

Driver negligence

  • Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, adjusting settings, or otherwise distracted are more likely to impact bicyclists.

  • Failure to yield: Drivers who don’t yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections or while making turns can cause an accident.

  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's reaction time, increasing the severity of collisions.

  • Lack of awareness: Drivers who fail to pay attention and see what’s around them can cause collisions.

Cyclist negligence

  • Ignoring traffic signals: Cyclists who run red lights or stop signs can cause serious accidents.

  • Unsafe maneuvering: Sudden lane changes, weaving through traffic, or riding against the flow of traffic can lead to collisions.

  • Distracted riding: Cyclists using mobile devices or listening to music with both earbuds can miss crucial audio cues.

Trail hazards

  • Poorly maintained trails: Erosion, loose rocks, and fallen branches can create dangerous conditions for mountain bikers.

  • Improper signage: Trails without clear signs can lead bikers into unexpected and hazardous areas.

  • Unexpected obstacles: Improper signage can create a hazard if placed in the wrong location.

Inadequate road and trail conditions

  • Poorly maintained roads: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces pose hazards to cyclists.

  • Lack of dedicated bike lanes: When cyclists are forced to share the road with vehicles, accident risk increases.

  • Trail wear and tear: High-traffic trails can degrade over time, making them more dangerous for mountain bikers.

Impaired driving

  • Drunk driving: Alcohol consumption is dangerous for all road users, including cyclists.

  • Drug-impaired driving: Both prescription and illegal drugs can make it unsafe to operate a vehicle or bicycle.

Adverse weather conditions

  • Slippery roads and trails: Rain and ice can make roads and trails hazardous for cyclists, increasing the risk of falls and collisions.

  • Reduced visibility: Fog and heavy rain can obscure cyclists from drivers' and other trail users' view.

Dooring accidents

  • Opening car doors: Severe accidents are more likely to happen when drivers or passengers open their car doors without checking for oncoming cyclists.

Driver fatigue

  • Drowsy driving: Fatigue can impact a driver’s reaction time or cause a driver to lose control.

Catastrophic bicycle accident injuries can include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Even with helmets, cyclists are vulnerable to head injuries that can have life-altering impacts on the brain. Drivers involved in bicycle collisions can also suffer TBIs.

  • Spinal cord injuries: These injuries often lead to partial or complete paralysis and significantly impact the quality of life.

  • Broken bones: Collisions can cause fractures that require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

  • Internal injuries: Injuries to internal organs can pose life-threatening risks and necessitate prompt medical care.

  • Severe lacerations and abrasions: Road rash and deep cuts can lead to significant scarring and long-term pain.

Victims of catastrophic bicycle collisions can experience:

  • Extensive medical treatment: Emergency care, surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and ongoing medical expenses greatly impact your quality of life.

  • Emotional and psychological trauma: The aftermath of a severe accident can result in PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

  • Financial burden: The costs of medical care, combined with lost wages and reduced earning capacity, can create significant financial stress.

  • Lifestyle changes: Catastrophic injuries often necessitate modifications to the home, assistive devices, and support services for daily living.

Oregon Personal
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Common questions about bicycle collision cases:

What should I do if I'm involved in a bicycle accident?

  • Move to a safe place, out of the way of other bikes and vehicles when possible.

  • Call 911 to report the accident.

  • Seek medical attention.

  • Exchange information with the other driver(s) or bicyclist(s) involved.

  • Document the scene and any injuries with photos.

  • Gather contact information from any witnesses.

  • Avoid speaking to an insurance adjuster before you’ve consulted an attorney.

  • Consult a personal injury lawyer – contact Mandekor Law Firm to schedule a consultation, so we can determine if we can help you.

How long after the bicycle accident do I have to file a claim?

In Oregon, you typically have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. There may be a shorter time frame, depending on the type of case. It’s essential to act within this period to protect your right to compensation.

What types of compensation can I receive after a bicycle accident?

Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Each case is different, and your ability to receive compensation will depend on your specific situation.

How can I prove the driver was at fault?

Establishing fault often requires gathering and presenting evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, expert analysis of the accident scene, and vehicles or other equipment involved. Our legal team will handle this process to build a compelling case on your behalf.

Why is having an experienced trial attorney important in catastrophic bicycle injury cases?

Insurance companies offer larger settlements to attorneys with a proven track record of winning in court. Our lead attorney, Gretchen Mandekor, is responsible for achieving one of Oregon’s largest personal injury verdicts. When we represent you, insurance companies listen.

Contact Mandekor Law Firm

If you or a loved one has experienced a catastrophic injury in a bicycle collision, don’t face it alone. Contact Mandekor Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.

  • "Gretchen Mandekor is without a doubt the best personal injury attorney in Oregon. Her experience in the field is very extensive, particularly with circumstances of mediation and in-court trial cases. It was easy for me to quickly put 100% trust in her and to know without a doubt that my legal matters were in incredible hands. Mandekor Law Firm is the best of the best."

    Todd Czarnecki

  • "Gretchen Mandekor, a renowned attorney at Mandekor Law Firm, displayed exemplary leadership in achieving our $11.4 Million trial victory against Mt. Hood Ski Bowl. Her involvement was vital to our triumph. Observing Gretchen's trial performance was akin to witnessing a masterclass."

    Mackenzie Totten

  • "Professional. Integrity with expertise. Honest, kind and above all Gretchen Mandekor has a heart of gold. Thank you for what you did for me. 100% best lawyer in town!"

    Clay Gavidia

  • "I'm so glad the universe brought Gretchen into my life! Immediately after meeting her, I knew that she would represent me with care and compassion while working hard to get me the best possible outcome. I always felt heard and she ensured that I could get my questions answered. I highly recommend Gretchen Mandekor as counsel should you ever find yourself in need of an outstanding and tenacious personal injury attorney who treats you as a whole person."

    Anna Mangiantini

  • "After my car accident in 2021, I was unsure how to proceed. [Gretchen] has been there for me to help navigate the courts and insurance companies. Her knowledge and connections in the legal world of the Pacific Northwest is beyond compare. During all my doctors, surgeries and physical therapy appointments I never had to worry. Gretchen and her team handled all the paperwork to make that process stress free. All I had to do was work on my recovery."

    April Martin

  • "Gretchen Mandekor is a brilliant, powerful and compassionate attorney who achieves justice and accountability for her clients. If you have an opportunity to work with Gretchen or to learn from her, take it!"

    Hermine Hayes-Klein

  • "I set out to write this professional review, but I have to stop myself from writing a love letter. [Gretchen] helped me after my back-to-back car accidents, ensuring the outcomes that protected me. She brought efficiency and quality to every interaction. I can tell that she loves her work from her genuine care about others. In meetings for the cases, we talked about so much more than just business. She went above and beyond."

    Viktoriya Voloshina

  • "Gretchen Mandekor was very knowledgeable about the law, plus her years of trial experience. She gave me so much confidence to see my case through to the end."

    Sue Wirick

  • "I have had the honor and pleasure of working with Gretchen Mandekor as both co-counsel and opposing counsel. She provides her clients with first-rate representation and advocacy and has the rare ability to deliver a powerful argument to a jury while making it appear effortless. I have also asked her to serve as both arbitrator and mediator on cases of mine and have found her to be highly effective in both roles."

    Eric Meyer

  • "Gretchen's one of the best attorneys in Oregon. I've worked with and against her for twenty years. She's friendly, smart, and gets great results for her clients. It also helps that she has years of experience on both sides of cases, extensive trial experience, and decades as a mediator. This has helped her to understand all sides of a case, which also helps her clients."

    Bryan Dawson

  • "I can't properly express how much I appreciate Gretchen Mandekor and her incredibly friendly paralegal, Angel Krois. They were not only effective, but made me feel cared for and calm throughout the process. I highly recommend Mandekor Law Firm!"

    Cee Gee

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